"Earlier today, President Obama called Coach Nick Saban to congratulate him and the University of Alabama on their BCS Championship and their exceptional 2011-2012 season. The President said that he watched the entire championship game and could not have been more impressed with the Crimson Tide's performance. The President commended the coach on his outstanding record and said that he looks forward to congratulating the team in person at the White House."

After arriving a few minutes late to the press conference due to the phone call, Saban said only the President and Mrs. Saban could make him 15 minutes late for anything.